The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-11-26

it is among large and growing popula-
ton, extending miles in every direction
from the church, and the work of par
ish building, while it may be compare
lively slow in the future is, thus far
unprecedentedly successful, all things
considered. This parish was not born
to die after few fitful and spasmodic
years. 1t has many of the elements of
a strong and popular organic alton, and
with an energetic administration, such
as it has thus far enjoyed, it is reasona-
bly, sure of prosperous future.
Nv. Unity Church, Oak Park, is also
seeing prosperous days. The congrega-
tions, reasonably good the last year, are
reported on the increase, the finances
are on sure basis, and the PASTORS
Wednesday evening Bible reading and
conversation and prayer meetings are
source of special interest. The large
accessions to the church membership of
last year encouraged the pastor to
special revival work the coming season.
Meetings will soon be held with this
object in view. Unity Church may be
set down as enjoying its share of the
general material and spiritual pros
perity.
V. At Englewood, the general in
terest was never more encouraging.
People and pastor not only dwell to-
gether in great love, but work together
for the success they desire to realize.
A significant fact in connection with
the decided increase of the congrega-
ton this autumn, is proposed enlarge
ment of the church edifice. A commit
tee was to report on the plan to be
adopted on last Monday night. We
have in Englewood large Sunday
school which fills the vestry every Sun
day, and competent corps of teachers.
The church is a recognized moral and
religious center in this rapidly growing
part of the city.
vi. Blue Island. The parish in this
suburban town continues on steady
lines. The distance from Chicago is
too great to tempt many of those seek
ing suburban homes, but the city is
rapidly growing in that direction, and
in few years the village will receive
large accessions from the increasing
population. Then our parish may be
expected to grow in corresponding
ratio. 1t is parish which is sure of a
future. At present the church is well
served by its young pastor, and is hold
ing its own with slight increase. The
church needs better accommodations
for the Sunday-school work. 1t is pro-
posed, when the funds are secured,
and this time is not far distant, to raise
the present building, and make YES
try, or Sunday-schoolr room, in the base
ment. This change will greatly facili-
tate the work Of those interested in the
school, which is prosperous and enter
prising, and deserves special quarters.
VII. At Woodlawn Park, new vii
lage on the Illinois Central Railroad,
about seven miles fIhm the city, (63d
street,, the mission services of the past
two years have already borne excellent
results. A chapel is now building and
will be occupied in a few weeks. The
Woman's Association of Illinois and
the General Convention, are represented
in this movement. A lot has been
purchased, and partly paid for, the deed
executed to the General Convention,
and with the help Of a few liberal
friends in the city, and the generous
gifts of the families interested in the
new parish, the chapel will be erected.
Woodlawn is growing rapidly, the par
ish is regularly organized, and we may
soon expect to see reported the dedica-
ton of the fifth Universalist church
in Chicago.
These are the substantial facts on
which we base our staten emit that Uni
versalism in Chicago is not only ''look-
ing up" but is already up and doing
well. In no previous year of the ex-
istence of our church in Chicago, was
there more hopeful and encouraging
outlook. We doubt not that every inch
OF ground gained in the last two years
will be held, and that the coming year
will also witness an advance over our
present position.
Revival meetings are to be held in
several of our parishes between now
and February, 1888. There is cause
for decided rejoicing that amid our en-
terprises of missionary nature, the
needs of our churches in spiritual mat
tiers will not be overlooked. We fer
vently anticipate many good results
from the work planned out in the vari-
GUS parishes for the present and COM
ing days.
"A subscriber, Br. A. b. CLARK, writ
ing from Bloomfield. KY, announces that